| Abstract: | L. L. Thurstone's (see PA, Vol 2:527; see also PA, Vol 81:28135) article developed a representational measurement model of comparative judgment; estimated discrimination probabilities yield scale values that imply values of other probabilities not yet observed, if the model provides a true representation. In practice, the accuracy of such inferences is captured by "goodness-of-fit" statistics. The specific representational measurement model developed can yield magnitude measurement on psychological dimensions for which no corresponding physical dimensions exist (e.g., favorability of "attitude toward"). This revolutionary article led to the development of many other representational measurement models. As opposed to psychophysics, however, the introduction of "true measurement" in social, attitudinal, and personality psychology did not yield the rapid progress Thurstone envisioned, and currently this specific model is seldom used in these areas. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) |
